Navigating in Tokyo is very different from North America. In Japanese addressing system, an address is based on block (CHO,町) rather than street. For example, the address of the Sony Building at Ginza is 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 Sony Building. Here the 5-3-1 means the District #5, Block #3, Building #1. Since the allocation of block number does not often follow any rules, it is essential to consult a map before getting out of a train station.

e-NAVITA (http://www.navita.co.jp) is a private company that provides map service and local business directory for mobile devices. Now with growing usage of サイフ携帯 (SAIFU KEITAI, mobile phone wallet), user can easily download a district map with just a touch to the sensor. A secondary access way is to use the QR-code if you do not own a compatible phone.

SAIFU KAITAI is using Sony’s FeliCa technology. You can see my other blog posts about the FeliCa technology here.

For more information about Japanese Addressing System please visit this Wikipedia page.

Related posts:

1. Local Map in Train Station with Mobile Phone “Touch Download”
2. QR-code Coupon in Restaurant Guide
3. Google Places Sticker and NFC Technology
4. North Is Not Always Pointing Up – Orientation of Train Station Maps in Japan
5. Signage of Shizuoka City Museum of Art

About Calvin C

Hello there, I’m Calvin Chun-yu Chan. Grew up in Hong Kong, studied and worked in Canada as web engineer+designer, now designing mobile apps in Tokyo. On my blog I would like to share my opinions on design, usability, culture and creativity. Follow me on: Twitter @calvincchan Google+ Profile

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